The success of the Lions youngsters in the 2022-23 Vodacom United Rugby Championship can be attributed to the efforts of several highly decorated Springboks.

The Joburgers are devoid of big-name signings and seasoned Boks, and they’re helmed by Ivan van Rooyen, whose career achievements pale in comparison to World Cup-winner Jake White at the Vodacom Bulls.

But, according to Jean de Villiers, it’s the work of his former Bok midfield partner Jaque Fourie – a 2007 World Cup winner and veteran of 72 Tests – as the Lions defence coach which is finally starting to show in the next generation.

Also, 51-Test-capped lock Albert van der Berg serves as forwards coach alongside Julian Redelinghuys, who took up the role of scrum guru after a neck injury forced him into retirement.

Speaking during a URC media call, De Villiers told reporters: “Just from a coaching point of view, they’ve got some former players in there, in Albert van der Berg, and also Jaque Fourie.

“I was fortunate to play a lot of rugby with him and he was an amazing communicator on the field, but also defensively.

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“I think we’re seeing that at the moment with the Lions team, defensively they’ve really improved. They’ve always had the ability to throw the ball around and score tries, but defensively they were leaking more than they were scoring.

“That young Henco van Wyk at 13 … you just see Jaque Fourie’s hand in the way that he is playing, and he’s really one for the future.”

The Lions were edged 39-37 by Ulster in a 10-try thriller at Ellis Park on Saturday, to halt an impressive winning run for The Pride, after a three-match unbeaten tour to Wales and Scotland.

But, De Villiers believes it’s too early to talk of Van Rooyen’s troops as title hopefuls, adding: “I’m very proud of the Lions and the way they have performed; we knew it would take some time for that group to get together.

“Will they be [title] contenders this year? I don’t think so, I just don’t think they have the depth and unfortunately injuries will be a reality.

“But, in years to come, if this team can stay together, then it’ll be a team that will only become more competitive with, hopefully, good recruiting to add to it.”